Outsourcing of DM function

I recently heard on the grapevine (so not sure about the veracity) that DWP are using “outsourcing giant” Capita in more areas than just call centres, including Decision Making on certain benefits.

This is concerning as I imagine the personnel concerned lack sufficient training and specialist knowledge to fulfil the DM role. In addition, if true, is this the (secretive) start of creeping privatisation?

Interesting. I have heard this rumour from some claimants online recently. I’ve no idea about the truth of it but it may have come from the fact that DMs have been working very closely with Capita on feedback recently and a number of decisions in those areas have been changed in consequence where DWP have been encouraged to query obvious inconsistencies with Capita directly and have had less pressure to toe the line of “HCP is God”. I suspect that when the new decision is issued it makes some ham-fisted reference to Capita’s involvement which could be misread.